L'Occitane Lavender Hand Purifying Gel

We are from from neurotically paranoid about germs.  But the heinous state of the loos on the trains those of us at Beauty Bible frequently travel on - and the frequent lack of water to wash our hands with - has lately been bringing out our inner Howard Hughes. So L'Occitane Lavender Hand Purifying Gel is a timely find:  a bug-busting hand gel with a whisk-you-to-a-Provençale-field scent of lavender to it.  (Most others we've tried have a distinct eau de hospital about them.)  And - unlike most hand sanitizers - this lightweight gel doesn't leave your hands feeling tight and dry.  (On the contrary, it's quite soothing and hydrating.)

It's also inexpensive:  we're pretty sure each tube would last several return journeys on the Trans-Siberian Express or an Amtrak ride from New York to San Fran - never mind a First Great Western journey from Yeovil to Paddington.  Our new handbag must-have, for sure - and (a tip for new mums) ideal for slipping into a baby's changing bag, to keep hands clean (but not unpleasantly squeaky).

UK readers find it here/£6.50 at www.uk.loccitane.com US readers find it here/$7 at www.usa.loccitane.com